Spaghetti Bridge Contest Rules

Hey, if you want the proper website for registering, rules etc. go to www.okanagan.bc.ca/spaghettibridge

click on "2011" at the side. Register your whole team

Good luck. Mr. R.

RULES: SECONDARY SCHOOL DIVISION
This competition is open to secondary or middle school students (grades 7-12). At least one builder of each bridge entered must accompany the bridge to the contest. Okanagan College will provide a room for storing bridges prior to the competition but it is the responsibility of the competitor to safely store and protect their bridge(s) prior to testing. Okanagan College will bear no responsibility for bridges that are damaged or broken prior to testing.
Materials
 The bridge shall be built using any commercial pasta product. The pasta may NOT be altered in any way other than cutting to size.
 Commercial glue or epoxy shall be the only joining material and may not be used as a structural member. It is intended that glue be used for joints only; continuous strands of glue running along the length of any member are not allowed.
Dimensions (see Figure 1)
 The maximum vertical depth of the bridge from the highest point to the lowest point shall not exceed 500 mm.
 The lowest point of the unloaded bridge shall not be more than 100 mm below a horizontal line running between the two end support surfaces.
 The bridge must span a distance greater than 1.00 m (the end supports are 1.00 m apart and on the same level so a bridge 1.00 m in length would fall through between the supports).
Figure 1: Overall Bridge Dimensions
Secondary Rules – 2011 Spaghetti Bridge Contest Page 1 of 4 Revision 1: 2010-11-24
2011 Spaghetti Bridge Contest
2011 Spaghetti Bridge Contest
Road Deck
 To provide a suitable road surface, the bridge must have a solid, continuous road deck consisting of lasagna that is at least 50 mm wide and covers the FULL length of the bridge. The lasagna must be conventional lasagna and may NOT be altered other than cutting to length (i.e. the wavy edges must be retained).
 The solid road deck shall have no gaps or joints running along the length of the bridge (see Figure 2).
 The solid road deck may have up to six joints running across the road deck. Gaps between joints may not exceed 1 mm (see Figure 3).
 A block of wood (50 mm x 50 mm x 100 mm long), representing a car, must be able to pass unobstructed from end to end across the bridge along the top surface of the road deck.
 All parts of the unloaded solid road deck must be within 30 mm of a horizontal line drawn between the top surfaces of the end supports (see Figure 4).
Figure 2: Joints Along Road Deck
Figure 3: Joints Across Road Deck
Secondary Rules – 2011 Spaghetti Bridge Contest Page 2 of 4 Revision 1: 2010-11-24
Figure 4: Bridge Deck Vertical Position
Bridge Loading and Support
 The bridge will be loaded with a 1.0 kg mass suspended from the loading platform.
 The support for the bridge shall be from the top of the level surfaces of the end supports. The vertical edge of the supports shall not be used as a support in any way (refer to Figure 5).
 An official "loading platform", made of 1/4" fiberboard 50 mm X 50 mm with a metal hook attached weighing approximately 18 g, must be obtained from Okanagan College. The loading platform must be located at the center (mid- span) of the bridge attached to the road deck (the road deck’s lasagna must pass under or over the loading platform). The loading platform may not be altered in any way (see Figure 6).
 There is no charge for each official loading platform. Platforms are available from Okanagan College Campuses as listed below:
Administration Office, 2nd Floor, Lab Building C Administration Office Administration Office
Kelowna: Penticton: Vernon: Salmon Arm: Administration Office
Figure 5: Use of End Support
Secondary Rules – 2011 Spaghetti Bridge Contest Page 3 of 4 Revision 1: 2010-11-24
2011 Spaghetti Bridge Contest
Figure 6: Location of Loading Platform
JUDGING
 Bridges will be inspected by the judges prior to testing to ensure all bridges comply with the rules. Bridges failing inspection will be disqualified.
 Only one contestant per bridge will be allowed in the judging area. Each bridge will be placed by the contestant on two level, smooth-topped platforms with an open space of 1.00 m between the platforms. All contestants must accept the loading conditions as provided.
 A 1.0 kg mass will be suspended from the hook on the loading platform that is located at mid-span of each bridge. This mass, which will be attached by the builder or builder's designated representative, will be suspended for a loading period of FIVE minutes.
 Bridges may not be touched while under load.  Bridges successfully completing the loading test will be weighed by the
judges and prizes will be awarded to the five lightest bridges.
ON ALL MATTERS, THE JUDGES' DECISION SHALL BE FINAL.
The judges have the right to disqualify any bridge that in their opinion is in violation of the intent or letter of the rules. The judges have the right to accept any bridge that in their opinion is consistent with the rules.